Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by aligning our school’s mission, "Learning to lead, leading to learn betters myself, home, school, and world” with our instructional practices. At Lonnie B. Nelson, we promote creativity and collaboration with our students by integrating critical thinking within our curriculum and focusing on how it can be used in school and everyday life. Our AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) trained teachers connect inquiry and organizational skills with core- content. As a result, our students are actively engaged in WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) strategies to promote life-long learning and leadership skills. Our professional team of administrators and teachers continues to engage in communities of practice to analyze data and personalize student learning. Instructional assistants provide additional support by implementing differentiated student lessons as extensions beyond the classroom.
We operate from the belief that every student has unique skills and talents enabling them to be a leader. To cultivate this belief, we work closely with parents and families to build Lonnie B. learners and leaders who are ready and willing to give back to the community. We have a strong mentoring program with our community, and student leadership opportunities such as the Morning News Show, and Career Day, where our students are able to see first-hand the results of living their passion through hard work and perseverance. Additionally, we implement the 7 Mindsets curriculum to promote social and self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making. Each month, we focus on a different mindset with strategies for real-world applications. Student leaders are celebrated monthly at our leadership breakfast as we continue to provide a safe, engaging, child-centered, inclusive environment that strives to address the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of every student.
The Academy for Civic Engagement (ACE), our school within a school magnet program, has been recognized as a Demonstration School (the highest achievement) by Magnet Schools of America. The ACE program at Lonnie B. Nelson focuses on civic engagement, service learning, and economics; in addition to the SC College and Career Ready Standards. Students build partnerships with local government and businesses as they learn to become responsible citizens. The Academy for Civic Engagement also encourages global, active citizenship by giving students opportunities to translate civic education into community engagement. Our school-wide services and service-learning for our community make a difference in our world.
Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary will continue to set high goals for improved student achievement and leadership skills. More than ever before, we are committed to preparing our students to meet the characteristics captured in the Profile of the South Carolina graduate. In partnership with our families, we look forward to many successes as we continue to educate ALL students to the highest levels of academic achievement and empower them to build their emotional, social, and physical well-being.
Dr. Twanisha Garner, Principal
Ms. Dana Austin, SIC Chairperson